News Release

The annual Northwest Powwow features singing drums and scores of dancers in full regalia competing in dancing categories, in addition to crafts and food. The 2010 Powwow is Saturday, Oct. 9 at Bearcat Arena. (Photos by Darren Whitley/University Advancement)

Oct. 5, 2010

Northwest to host seventh annual Powwow Saturday

The
Powwow features singing, drums and scores of dancers in full regalia
competing in categories including grass dancing, traditional, fancy
shawl and jingle dress. Age and gender categories include "tiny tots,"
juniors and teens, women, men and "golden age" for adults ages 55 and
older.

The
afternoon presentation begins at 1 p.m. with a grand entry. An evening
presentation begins at 6 p.m. with a grand entry. Each session will last
about four hours. Admission is free, and the event is open to the
public.

Dr. Barbara Crossland , assistant professor of curriculum and
instruction , has helped coordinate the event since its inception and
describes it as "a celebration of Native American culture."

"You
are surrounded by native people whether you realize it or not,"
Crossland said. "It's good for us to understand where they come from and
what they consider special. And it's an awful lot of fun. It's a
wonderful, fun day that's full of joy and music and bright colors and
beautiful things to see."

Jeremy
Shields will serve as arena director. Manny King is master of
ceremonies. Host drums are performed by Mahushka Boyz and Buffalo
Singers. Head Man Dancer is Adrian Primeaux and Head Lady Dancer is
Winona Boado.

Vendors
will offer a variety of Native American craft items, t-shirts and food
for sale, including fry bread, Indian tacos and beverages.

"There
will be lots of things to eat, lots of pretty things to look at and
maybe purchase, and lots of dancing to watch," Crossland said.

Proceeds benefit the Northwest Native American Scholarship Fund.
The
scholarship is made possible through a gift to the Northwest Foundation
by 1949 alumnus Earl Shelton. The award is made to eligible Northwest
juniors and seniors who must earn a cumulative grade-point average of at
least 3.5 while demonstrating a commitment to the preservation of
Native American culture. For information about the Northwest Native
American Scholarship Fund, call the Northwest Foundation at
660.562.1248.